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An information sign for the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) on Brownhill Road in Lewisham, south London
EMERGENCY admission to hospital in central London has reduced after the introduction of the ultra-low emissions zone and the T-charge area, health record analysis has revealed.
Researchers at Imperial College London said today that admissions have decreased by 3 per cent per year since the schemes were launched.
They also found an 8 per cent reduction for heart problems and a 6 per cent reduction for breathing issues.
The study, which looked into urgent admissions to hospitals excluding accidents, burns, drug overdoses, poisoning or self-harm, also noted admissions had been increasing by a rate of 3 per cent per year prior to the schemes being started in 2017 and 2019.
Study leader Dr Daniela Fecht said: “We controlled for other factors and trends in our study design so we can conclude that reductions in hospital admissions are directly linked to the emission reduction initiatives in central London.”
With more people dying each year and many spending their final days in institutions, researchers argue that wider access to palliative care could offer a more humane and cost-effective alternative, write ROX MIDDLETON, LIAM SHAW and MIRIAM GAUNTLETT
